That's a fantastic layout. I could go on and on about the things i like about it.
I have to say though, I don't get 1930's from it. Because that's what you say you want, I've been trying to figure out why. I have it narrowed down to about five possibilities:
1. It might be the building signs. They look like plastic, which gives me more of a 1950's feel.
2. It might simply be that your photos are in color, which is comparatively rare in 1930's photos versus those from the 50s.
3. It might be because you built the layout for the 1950s and did such a good job that carries over in spite of recent modifications.
4. It's entirely possible that my interpretation of both the 30s and 50s is wrong.
5. Something else I haven't got a grasp of yet.
I generally don't like to post anything even remotely negative about photos posted here unless it is specifically asked for, but this isn't meant to be negative, it is meant to help you achieve what you want.
In any event, it says something to me that the only questions I have pertain to eras which aren't far apart and didn't change much except in subtle ways. You realism, use of space, dedication, and camera work are as good as any I've seen. That's a layout to be proud of.
Love it, absolutely amazing weathering! If I ever built a steam-era layout I'd go for a late-30s early 1940s era, I loved the equipment used then.
The only thing I'd put in would be some signs of the Great Depression. FDR was elected in 1932 and started the New Deal. There were a myriad of social and economic programs created by the government under the New Deal and many were heavily advertized. Some of America's greatest steps in modernization were completed by these programs, and nearly all of the major construction programs in the 1930s were government jobs.
One of the most heavily advertized programs of the 30s was the National Recovery Administration (known as the NRA) the symbol of which was a Blue Eagle. The program itself was declared unconstitutional in 1935 but some of the advertisments that had been posted were up until the begining of WWII.
Overall, I'm in awe of the amount of detail and craftsmanship in your work there, brilliant job mate!
Cheers!
~METRO
Jon,
I always enjoy your photos. Great post. I like the selection of autos.
Sue
Anything is possible if you do not know what you are talking about.
Egads Jon, did you live here in the good ole USA in the thirties, or what?. I am modeling the NHRR in the 1936 to 1956 era and I can't find the research to do what you have accomplished. And, I lived there in that time period. Your work is absolutely fabulous.
I have often said on this, and other forums, the hard part is the research and living over 2,000 miles and 60 years away makes it all the harder. I traveled back east in 1984, but alas, most of the lineside industries are long gone from New England. I just to have to rely on my memories and imagination.
My sombrero is off to you!
tgindy wrote: Just a thought - if you have a track coming out from under a tunnel portal, city building, or bridge - George Selios in his Franklin & South Manchester often shows blackened soot stains because the 1930s was the age of steam.
Just a thought - if you have a track coming out from under a tunnel portal, city building, or bridge - George Selios in his Franklin & South Manchester often shows blackened soot stains because the 1930s was the age of steam.
Knew I'd done something like that somewhere
Jon
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MisterBeasley wrote: Mostly Jordan vehicles, I take it?Did you change out any of your figures? They look like Depression-era types, mostly.
Mostly Jordan vehicles, I take it?
Did you change out any of your figures? They look like Depression-era types, mostly.
Four out of 9 vehicles are Jordan
I tried to buy generic figures in either hats, overcoats and suits, for the pedestrians.
Looking at old films, everyone seems to be wearing a hat and tie (They also seem to be drinking hard liquor at 10am - it's a wonder how anything got done)
doctorwayne wrote: I'm no expert on trucks, but in my opinion, the one in your second photo, with the tandem rear axles, looks a bit too big and too modern for the '30s
I'm no expert on trucks, but in my opinion, the one in your second photo, with the tandem rear axles, looks a bit too big and too modern for the '30s
You may well be right Wayne.
The model is of continental origin - possibly Heki - but there is nothing on the actual model to confirm this. I picked it up second hand, unboxed.
There were some pretty long trucks used prior to the second world war in Germany and pneumatic tyres were common in the 30s, so it may be authentic for the period - the cab certainly looks primitive enough.
Wayne
Thanks for all the encouragement and information, chaps. There's a lot to be going on with, especially with the road signs.
Firstly, a 'D'oh!'.
I've just realised that I forgot to turn the layout lights on when I shot the photos last night.Not entirely sure how that happened.
Secondly, the change of era is in no way permanent. I'll explain my cunning plan.
The layout is fully portable and has several invites to exhibitions in England over the next couple of years. Since these shows are normally 2-day events, I intend to show the 1930s layout on the Saturday and then the 50s layout on the Sunday.
Being a lazy so-and-so, I don't want to be messing about changing more than I have to, to transform the layout from one period to the next, especially if I might also be nursing a small hangover too.
So I want to keep the changes to vehicles and stock, with maybe a few signs covered up - nothing too complicated.
Anyway, here are a few more photos
NB - Route Rock - you may spot a policeman in there somewhere - No gangsters yet but there is a black Horch in the early photos (Bullet Proof Bomb minus the '7')
A few things from Sweethome Chicago in the 30's. A cop waliking a beat with a billy club and Al Capone! Throw in some gangsters or a crime scene where Dillinger may have shot up a ca. Add some police phone boxes on one corner and fire telegraph boxes on another.
I didnt know you were in the UK Jon but my goodness what a great modeling job! I love Chicago and its architecture and you hit it dead on.
I was thinking on doing something in the 1900 scope and was discouraged. I see you were not and you went in full steam and look at the job! Inspiration comes from others somedays!
Yes we are on time but this is yesterdays train
Jon, the pics look great!
jon grant wrote: UP2CSX wrote:Street signs in the 1930's were generally black lettering on white in the eastern US and white leters on black background in the western US. They also used to have cat eye reflectors in the lettering or symbol if you want a modelling challenge. I'll look into that right away. I think I have a sheet somewhere Jon
UP2CSX wrote:Street signs in the 1930's were generally black lettering on white in the eastern US and white leters on black background in the western US. They also used to have cat eye reflectors in the lettering or symbol if you want a modelling challenge.
I'll look into that right away. I think I have a sheet somewhere
Some of your street signs may be alright. Those black and white signs may be leftovers from an earlier era, or some that were black and white still. Many of the newer signs were yellow with black lettering by then though. Even the stop signs were yellow and black. I still remember one of those yellow ones from when I was young.
This link may help (I model Maine in the late 20's and early 30's)
http://www.rreid.net/OldTrails/
The truth is that most US cities didnt change much between the 1930's and the 1950's.
Between the Depression and WW2 new construction was almost at a standstill, the only real noticable changes where in signage, automobiles and clothing. All of which look like you've done a great job of backdating.
Have fun with your trains
Looks good to me, Jon. Nice work!.
Good grief! Outstanding!
That bus under the bridge did it for me.
jon grant wrote: UP2CSX wrote:Street signs in the 1930's were generally black lettering on white in the eastern US and white leters on black background in the western US. They also used to have cat eye reflectors in the lettering or symbol if you want a modelling challenge. I'll look into that right away. I think I have a sheet somewhere
Well, here's some more info:
In 1935, the first MUTCD was published. More accurately, it was mimeographed. The demand for the manual was so great, that a printed version was published in 1937. In comparison to the Millennium Edition, the 1937 printed version was only166 pages; content was separated into four parts that addressed signs, markings, signals, and islands.The 1935 edition set the standard for types of signs by classifying them as regulatory, warning, or guide signs. Regulatory signs were black on white rectangles (except the STOP sign was black on yellow or yellow on a red octagon); diamond-shaped slow-type signs warned drivers to slow down; signs that cautioned were square. The manual also promoted using symbols on signs because nighttime roadway illumination was becoming more common.The 1935 MUTCD also defined some pavement markings. For example, centerlines were required only on approaches to hill crests with a clear view of less than 500 feet (152 m), short-radius curves, curves with restricted view, or pavements wider than 40 feet (12 m). Acceptable colors for centerlines were white, yellow, or black, depending on which provided the greatest contrast. It also supplied much-needed clarification on the number, color, and meaning of signal indications. The 3-color signal was adopted as the standard for signal lenses.
Best of luck finding a 1935 MUTCD on line (or the even earlier AASHO "Manual on Street Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings")
It is obvious that you do your scenery homework. The links to your blog and pictures shows some nice work on dirt roads and especially the grass - perhaps faux fur?
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
A mixture of Jordan, Mini metals, and Busch. Not sure on the make of the big truck, but a German manufacturer.
Outstanding! It looks like the whole thing was designed for that era from the beginning. Mostly Jordan vehicles, I take it?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
A few more
Before
After
When I first planned Sweethome I decided to make the buildings suit any period from the 1930s to the 1980s and beyond.
I've slowly been collecting rolling stock and road vehicles that would suit a 1930s-era period layout, and decided to try out a step back in time from the 1950s to the 1930s.
Here are the first photos. I'm not sure about any anomalies yet - feel free to point them out.
Yes I know the road sign's bust - truck reversed into it